Lyme disease is littered with misinformation. Celebrities are part of the problem, experts say

Lyme disease remains well‑established, yet chronic Lyme—an un‑recognized term linked to ongoing symptoms—is promoted by some alternative practitioners and celebrities such as Bella Hadid, Justin Bieber and Justin Timberlake. CBC’s investigation (Jan 31 2026) shows the term fuels a lucrative, largely unregulated industry. In 2024 Canada reported 5,809 Lyme cases, up from 2009 levels, partly due to climate change. A 2021 study found 84 % of 1,261 suspected patients had no confirmed infection; many were misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia or other disorders. Private “sensitive” tests and costly treatments—including a $40,000 IVIg course that nearly killed Feile O’Connell in Puerto Vallarta—raise safety concerns, while experts like Dr Paul Auwaerter (Johns Hopkins) and Dr Lynora Saxinger (U Alberta) urge caution.